Category : Wildlife | Location : Odisha | Posted on 2022-08-25 00:22:52
As per reports, acting on a tip-off, a team of forest officials led by Kalimela Forest Officer Sushant Kumar Dalei conducted a raid in the village at around 3 am and seized 350 turtles. The turtles were packed in 20 sacks.
The accused gave a slip to forest officials. However, the officials brought the bags to Kalimela Forest Office.
Turtle smuggling is rampant in Odisha-Andhra border. The smugglers collect live turtles from local fishermen, who catch the reptiles from rivers and other water bodies.
Notably, smuggling of turtles, a Class I species of the water animal, is a non-bailable offence under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, officials said adding that turtles are used for Turtles are smuggled for their supposed aphrodisiac properties, to make leather from their skins, medicines, to make potions from their blood and to use as fishing bait.
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/odisha-turtles-rescued-by-forest-department-1992167-2022-08-24
